Is the “Mama Bear” Response Triggered by a Hormone?Is the “Mama Bear” Response Triggered by a Hormone?
The Brain Warrior's Way Podcast
Many of us have felt an instinctual form of protective aggression in situations where one’s family unit seems threatened. Did you know that this response is caused by a hormone known as Oxytocin? Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen lay out what oxytocin...
12:05•12 Sept 2017
Oxytocin: The Hormone Behind Your Protective Instincts
“When people are lonely, it's actually one of the major risk factors for depression, one of the major risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. And actually giving people oxytocin has shown to help decrease anxiety.”
Ever felt an overwhelming urge to protect your loved ones, almost like a fierce Mama Bear? Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen dive into this primal instinct in their podcast episode, shedding light on the hormone oxytocin and its powerful role in human bonding and aggression. Known as the 'love hormone', oxytocin doesn't just make you feel warm and fuzzy; it also triggers protective behaviors when you sense a threat to your family.
In this engaging discussion, the Amens unpack the science behind oxytocin, explaining how it influences not just maternal instincts but also male behavior. You'll learn about the risks of oxytocin withdrawal and its potential as a therapeutic tool for mental health issues like anxiety and depression. This episode offers a blend of cutting-edge research and practical insights, making complex biology both accessible and fascinating.
Whether you're curious about the science of human emotions or looking for new ways to support mental health, this episode has something for you. With their trademark blend of empathy and expertise, Dr. Daniel and Tana Amen make the topic of oxytocin both enlightening and relatable. Tune in to understand how this powerful hormone shapes our most fundamental behaviors.

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